Louw starts for Boks against World XV

4 June 2014

Bath Rugby back-row maestro Francois Louw will start for South Africa against a formidable World XV on Saturday.

The old firm of Bakkies Botha and interim captain Victor Matfield are re-united in the second row, while Schalk Burger makes a return to the side for the first time in two and a half years. Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Lwazi Mvovo and Johan Goosen are also back after playing no test rugby last year.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said: “We’re expecting a stern test on Saturday against the World XV and our mindset is to make our nation proud – it should never be anything else when the Springboks play. It will also be a good way to start the season before our first test next week against Wales, but for now we’re only focused on the World XV and playing well.”

The speedy South African Sevens player Cornal Hendricks is the only newcomer in the team as Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer opted for continuity in his team’s first match of the year.